Follow in footsteps of Adam Peaty by signing up to unique course

Talented swimmers looking to further their education could follow in the footsteps of Olympic champion Adam Peaty by signing up to a unique course.

Applications are now open for the government-funded Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE), which is delivered by Dudley College of Technology in partnership with Swim England.

It is a two-year course which is aimed at talented swimmers, para-swimmers, divers, synchronised swimmers and water polo players.

Previous graduates include Peaty, Paralympic champion Jessica-Jane Applegate, world champion diver Tom Daley, Olympic synchronised swimming hopeful Isabelle Thorpe and Great Britain water polo player Sophie Jackson.

The programme is delivered across the country through face-to-face regional workshops, online learning, progress review visits and an offshore training camp or competition.

It covers a range of topics including technical and tactical skills, physical capability, nutrition, psychology, lifestyle, career, communication, health and safety plus culture, values and behaviour.

Swimmer Millie Sansome took part in the course during 2017-18.

She said: “I would definitely recommend it to all athletes.

“The work is equally split up over various workshops throughout the year which makes it manageable whilst balancing school, training and other extra-curricular activities.

Enjoyable and interactive course

“I really enjoyed learning about all the different factors that come with being an elite athlete, some of which you don’t normally think about such as the importance of communication between the athlete and your coach, physio nutritionist or strength and conditioning coach.

“Taking part in the DiSE programme is an enjoyable and interactive way to get a qualification for doing something that you are passionate about whilst making new friends at the same time.”

The DiSE is open to athletes born between 1 September 2002 and 31 August 2003 who live in England, are studying further education such as A-levels or BTEC studies in England from September 2019 and are a member of an English club or currently represent England, Scotland or Wales.

You will also need to be selected by the Swim England Talent Development Officer for either water polo, diving, synchronised swimming or meet the swimming selection policy.

Applications for the course close on Sunday 4 August and the swimming induction day will be held on Sunday 8 September.

Rachel Weston, from Dudley College, said: “This unique programme aims to support athlete development by enhancing the athlete’s knowledge skills and competency in their sport, whilst gaining a recognised qualification.

“It will help them to continue competing in their sport at an elite level or to gain employment within sport or within an alternative pathway.”

To find out more about the scheme, email [email protected], call (01509) 640 456 or fill in the online application form.